Lt. Mike Connolly, (retired) New York Fire Department (NYFD) firefighter and first responder on September 11, 2001, will take part in what’s being called a “Candid conversation about 9/11” in Red Oak, 3-p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26th. His appearance is sponsored by the Montgomery County First Responders, with a reception hosted by the Red Oak Rotary Club, to follow. The event takes place at the Wilson Performing Arts Center (300 Commerce Drive) in Red Oak. There is no fee to attend, but you’re asked to bring a non-perishable item for donation to the local food pantry.

Connolly was born and raised in New York City and spent 19 years with the fire department, before he moved to Red Oak with his wife Robin. He spoke Sept. 11, 2019, with students at the Red Oak Junior-Senior High School about the event that changed America.